The journey that led me to Sequoia National Forest This is my first year as "full timer" as folks like me that live on the road call it. All through the winter I tried to get my game plan as to where I'd spend the summer months. I could not very well hang out in 120 degree weather in the desert, so, plan I must. My leaving the desert was strategic too, because desert temperatures were growing rather too warm, in addition, my big Maxx Air ceiling fan is now out of commission. So, we left Joshua Tree National Park for cooler weather two weekends ago. California seems to have the strongest appeal for me right now. Between the Pacific Ocean (which I have yet to meet) and the giant sequoias, I have my journey mapped out. But, as "full timers" say, all plans are "set in jello". This means, I could change my route at anytime. And, why not? I have my home on 4 wheels. So long as I can afford the gas to get there, I can go wherever I please, within a few limitations. What are my camping "must haves"? "Must haves" for me, include the following priorities:
I prefer to be as close as possible to great shopping, yet still be in a natural, quiet setting for camping. I prefer shopping that offers stores like Trader Joe's and Sam's Club. I just became a member with Sam's Club and I've learned the new art of stocking up for 2 -3 months at a time on staple foods for half the price I was paying to stock up at Walmarts! Now, I just need to be about 20 minutes from a small town, like Lake Isabella for things like gas, trash dumping and to pick up a loaf of bread, do laundry or restock toiletries. Currently, I'm 10 minutes from town, and this has been convenient! When we stayed at Joshua Tree National Park, we were a 40 minutes drive from the nearest cities. The good thing about that, is that it kept me from spending money to be out in the middle of nowhere! The Sequoia National Forest, Lake Isabella, CA! So, I chose the Sequoia National Forest, Lake Isabella area for my late winter to early spring stay. Why? The weather is PERFECTION and the scenery is spectacular. We have everything we need here. Everyday, it's been in the upper 60's to low 70's with night time temperatures in the 40's. We've had one rainy weekend. Hopefully, we'll get more, since CA is in a bad drought. In the mean time, we're enjoying cloudy and sunny, cool days. We haven't seen any of the sequoia trees yet, but, I'm hoping to visit 100 Giants about a 1/2 hours drive from our current camp. I will save that for my spring break so I can really enjoy it. Below are some photos that have led me to my current camp. I hope you enjoy them! Quartzsite, AZ - The RV mecca in the US. Every year hundreds of thousands of both full time and part-time "snow birds" head for Quartzsite. And watch out for when the "big tent" goes up, because you can hardly get up the road from the choking traffic. That's when I head out of town for some peace, quiet and sanity! Slab City, USA - The last "free land"! This is another place snowbirds go to stay for the winter in the desert. It's free for as long as you want to stay, but, there can be quite the characters here and you should take pre-cautions. A very cool place to visit. I stayed for 5 days. This image is of "Salvation Mountain", which was put together by another full timer who recently passed away. Slab City, USA - The Shoe Tree! It's another tourest attraction here. People who don't want their shoes anymore can decoratively attach them to this rather gracious tree and be done with them. I had fun angling the camera up into the blue, blue sky! Mittry Lake, AZ - We stayed here for one night on our way back up to Quartzsite for Bob Wells' famous RTR or Rubber Tramp Rendezvous. Kofa Wildlife Refuge - This was one of my favorite places to camp. It has probably been the most peaceful of all places to stay since I began my travels last May '13. The desert mountain views are spectacular here! Joshua Tree National Park - The sunsets were out of this world gorgeous! Joshua Tree National Park - We even had our own mailbox! Painted Canyon, CA - This was a rock mountain and giant boulder heaven. I felt so tiny amidst such giants! The Kern River, Sequoia National Forest, CA - This was our first night's camp here! Gorgeous view! But, since it tended to be a party area, we left for higher ground. Sequoia National Forest - Rochelle enjoying the views! Remington Hot Springs, CA - This is our latest camp. I have to trek down a pretty steep climb to get to these pools, but the climbs back and forth are well worth it. Our current campsite is about a 12 minute walk down to the pools.
11 Comments
daniel
3/7/2014 08:51:43 am
been to all except Remington. walked 9 days into the backcountry of sequoia. looks like fun. going to death valley in april.
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Gloria A. Brooks
3/7/2014 10:37:49 am
Yes, it's been a whole new world of freedom, Daniel. And to think my jumping off place was managing a motel in WV. I'm grateful for my friend, Michael, back in WV who gave me a job that allowed me time to build a mobile business. Wishing you well!
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Ming
3/22/2014 10:29:16 am
thanks for the lovely photos, I'll have to add these to my travel list. Where did you hike in Joshua Tree? I have a dog too, and I hear that NP's are very dog restrictive.
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Gloria A. Brooks
3/22/2014 10:52:56 am
Ming, we were off Cottonwood Spring Road, at the southern entrance. There weren't any restrictions for dogs, just have to have them leashed. That's the basic rule I've come across in the national forests. And, of course cleaning up after them.
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Ming
3/22/2014 12:07:49 pm
Thanks Gloria. I'd like to visit there someday. How did you pick your spot? I did pick up a Benchmark for California.
Gloria A. Brooks
3/22/2014 12:57:57 pm
Ming,
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Ming
3/24/2014 04:21:54 am
Thanks, Gloria. It is helpful to have a specific example. My experience is mostly in BC where I live, and I have a number of guidebooks for that. I hope to visit the western US deserts some time in the future.
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Gloria A. Brooks
3/24/2014 07:24:30 am
Ming,
Ming
3/24/2014 07:44:49 am
Hi Gloria,
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Gloria A. Brooks
3/24/2014 07:54:48 am
Wow, Ming, this looks great! I've thought about a truck camper as my next possible full time vehicle. We'll see. I sure do love my camper van. I probably won't be posting pictures of her though, for privacy reasons, not that you've asked.
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Ming
3/24/2014 08:30:35 am
Gloria,
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AuthorI'm Natureglo, founder of Natureglo's eScience! I'm an avid nature lover, photographer, hiker, full time camper and an online teacher. Categories
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